A wellness approach to cancer care.

On Friday, July 21st, staff from the Redwood Area Hospital will be out supporting our local Relay for Life in honor and memory of those people whose lives have been touched by cancer. This year our staff will be promoting wellness. Wellness is not only a means of cancer prevention, but also a way of moving through a cancer diagnosis empowered and strong.

Cancer is complex. There are many types of cancers and multiple treatment approaches for each disease. In addition, each individual responds to their diagnosis and treatment in different ways. Despite the presence of disease such as cancer, our bodies are always working to heal itself. It is important to remember that we have the power to give our bodies an optimal environment for healing, to be healthy and full of vitality. Factors associated with a detrimental lifestyle, such as low immune systems, stress and environmental toxins can be managed through wellness practices.

The new and growing field of integrative oncology has a holistic approach to treating cancer diagnoses. This method focuses on the whole person, including mind, body and spirit, not just the cancer.

Some examples of holistic therapies:

Mind/Body Practices- Yoga, meditation, hypnosis, and support groups

Manual Therapies- massage, chiropractic care

Energy Medicine- healing touch, Reiki, acupressure and Qi Gong

Other lifestyle/wellness recommendations such as physical activity, nutrition

Benefits for patients include improved tolerance for chemotherapy, better symptom control, general improvement of quality of life and, if needed, expanded options for end of life care. Many holistic therapies used in integrative oncology care partner with familiar approaches such as surgery, radiation, chemo and biotherapy.

To learn more about wellness practices and cancer, be sure to stop by our wellness tent at the relay. We will have more information and a few ways to experience wellness whether you are a cancer patient or someone interested in prevention.

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The mission of Redwood Area Hospital’s StrongYou is to empower people to build healthy habits, develop their full potential and lead strong lives.